Sermon Discussion/Reflection Questions

Discussion/Reflection Questions

Use these as discussion with your family, roommates, small group, or use them as journal prompts!

April 28, 2024

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:16-21, 3:14-18.

How does Scripture help you identify your need for a Savior?
How do you, or will you, guard against apathy about what Scripture teaches?
What examples do you see of people twisting Scripture and how is your faithful representation of Scripture being used to show others God’s truth?
What is one application of today’s message for you?

April 21, 2024

Scripture: Matthew 22:37-39.

1. What does it mean to “cherry-pick” Bible verses?

2. Why is it usually a bad practice?

3. How can you avoid this trap of just reading selectively?

4. What are some good Biblical interpretation practices?

5. Who is the Bible about? Why is that important to remember when you are reading it?

April 14, 2024

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11.

1. How is the Bible foundational in your life? In what ways is it authoritative?

2. Do you understand the whole arc of the biblical narrative? In what ways could you learn it better?

3. What does it mean that Jesus came to fulfill the law and not abolish it?

4. How does Jesus demonstrate that he is uncompromising about the Word of God and yet still loving?

5. How do you model this approach in your life?

April 7, 2024

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

What does it mean to call the Bible “The Word of God,” and why does that matter?
What does it mean to keep it central? How is that different from worshipping the Bible?
In what ways do you find it central in your life?
How can you not just read the Word but also do and live it?
Why is the Bible considered “dynamic and transforming”? Have you noticed this in your life?

March 31, 2024

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12.

In what ways is Easter disruptive to your own plans?
Why is Easter important? And why should we let it disrupt our lives?
How did Jesus conquer death at Easter? Why is that important?
In what ways have you let Easter be a passing holiday?
How can you change that?

March 24, 2024

Scripture: Mark 11:7-11.

1. What is the message of Palm Sunday about?

2. Why is it important to understand that Jesus is the King of Kings and the Messiah?

3. Why is an idol so dangerous in your life?

4. What does the Bible mean by “antichrists” and what does that look like in our world?

5. In what ways did Jesus remake this political narrative in the first century? What about now?

March 17, 2024

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:1-18.

1. How do you listen to God? What does this look like practically in your life?

2. How are you typically distracted?

3. What does it look like to be more engaged?

4. When praying, do you do more talking or listening? Or equal?

5. Why is it important to develop a discipline of listening to God?

March 10, 2024

Scriptures: Philippians 2:3-8; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Proverbs 16:18; Mark 10:42-44.

Where are you prideful?
What is the next step for you to grow in humility?
What is different about how Jesus reacted in trials from your reactions when things get difficult?

March 3, 2024

Scripture: Mark 2:23-28.

Do you have a rhythm of Sabbath in your life? Why or why not?
What would it look like to practice the Sabbath in your life?
What sort of sacrifices would that take?
In what way is your life shaped by busyness and restlessness?
How can you embrace the Sabbath as a gift from God?

February 25, 2024

Scripture: Matthew 22:37

How would you describe your inner life? Why?
What does it mean that the Father is the gardener? Why is this important?
How is your inner life formed? In what ways can you analyze your life to better produce fruit?
What does it mean that the garden is easy?
Why is this not usually the case?

February 18, 2024

1. How is your faith supported?

2. In what ways are you growing and how have you set that up?

3. In what areas would you love to see your faith grow?

4. How could you go about that growth?

5. What does it look like to start somewhere and make it a regular part of your life?

6. How can you increase it consistently?

7. What ways can you help others connect to the vine?

February 11, 2024

Scripture: Galatians 4:19.

1. How are people formed? What is this process?

2. In what ways have you allowed formation to happen to you?

3. In what ways have you been intentional in your formation?

4. What are the stories you believe about yourself?

5. In what do you mostly abide? How can you abide more consistently in Christ?

February 4, 2024

Scripture: Psalm 23 and John 10.

Have you ever experienced a season of disorientation? How can acknowledging God as your shepherd give you a new orientation in life?
Is God’s shepherding most evident by His presence, protection, or provision in your life? Why?
What area of influence is God calling you to practice shepherding in ? What are 1-3 steps you can take to begin this process?
Who is someone you can share the Good News about Jesus being the Good Shepherd with?

January 28, 2024

Scripture: I John 2:3-6.

What does it mean to be in obedience? How do we feel about that word?
Why should an apprentice care about being obedient to their master?
What does it mean to walk in love?
Why is this important as a follower of Jesus?
What does it mean that we have access to heavenly resources in Jesus?

January 21, 2024

Scripture: Psalm 5:3.

1. What does it look like to be intentional in your prayer life?

2. How can you add more intentionality to your prayer life?

3. What does it mean to be honest in your prayer life? What does this look like?

4. How can we grow in our awareness of God’s presence?

5. Where can you begin this week on being more WITH Jesus?

January 14, 2024

Scripture: Acts 24:14-16.

What does it mean to be a Christian?
How does someone follow the way of Jesus?
In what ways do you experience Jesus being WITH you? In what ways can you be more available for this life?
How do you learn from Jesus? What sort of things do you learn from Jesus?
What does it look like to work alongside Jesus?

January 7, 2024

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12.

1. What does it look like to have awareness of the activity of God?

2. How are you able to see God’s movement in your life and in your world?

3. How can you seek the Lord? And His Kingdom?

4. What does it mean to ask and receive from the Lord?

5. In what ways can you live a life full of epiphanies?

December 31, 2023

Scripture: Jeremiah 24:4-7.

1. How does God knowing EVERYTHING there is to know about you and loving you anyway make you feel?

2. Why do you think God wants us to pursue knowing Him as much as He knows us?

3. Explain why it can be difficult to allow others to truly KNOW us.

4. How can allowing others to KNOW everything there is to know about us lead to freedom?

5. Why is it important to be the same person, no matter what circumstance you find yourself in?

December 24, 2023

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38.

1. Why is it important that God came to earth?

2. What does it mean that God is with us? How does that look in your life?

3. In what ways do you exercise faith?

4. How do you see faith as a remembrance?

5. How do you see faith as a future hope?

6. In what ways can your faith confront your fears?

7. Why does this all matter for Christmas?

December 17, 2023

Scripture: Psalm 16.

1. Where do you typically find joy? And why?

2. What does it look like to have sustaining joy? Have you felt that?

3. What does it mean to “do the minimum” in the Kingdom of God?

4. What is the cost of discipleship? Why is that relevant to you?

5. What is the cost of non-discipleship? Why is that relevant to you?

December 10, 2023

Scripture: Isaiah 26:1-6.

1. In what ways are you searching for peace in your life, relationships, world?

2. In what ways do you feel unsettled?

3. When do you feel content? What does that look like?

4. In what ways do you recognize Jesus as our peace?

5. How can you use the unlimited and inexhaustible resources of God?

December 3, 2023

Scriptures: Genesis 37:1-11

Genesis 37:18-36

Genesis 39:1-23

Genesis 41:1-40

1. Where is our hope?

2. Where can we see God in this season?

3. How can we find hope in Jesus?

November 26, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 4:7-18.

1. How much do you experience loneliness and what does that look like?

2. Why is it important to have a support network?

3. Who are your companions in life?

4. Would others list you as a companion for them in life? Why or why not?

5. How can having solid Christian friends help nurture your faith?

6. Who’s at your table?

November 19, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6.

TACOS Prayer Model

Thankfulness

Adoration

Confession

Others

Self

November 12, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 3:18-4:1.

What does it mean to LIVE IN CHRIST, in your household?
What does your household look like and what relationships come and go in your household?
How would you explain the redemptive ethic/movement? Why is that relevant in this passage?
What does the husband/wife relationship look like when they live unto Christ?
How about the parent/child relationship?
Finally, how does the master/slave relationship apply to today? And why do we need to consider the larger narrative when looking at this passage?

November 5, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 3:15-17.

1. What does peace look like in your life? Where do you typically find peace?

2. Why does it seem hard to have peace on a more consistent basis?

3. What does peace look like in the church? What is your role in that?

4. How does putting peace into practice work? What specifically does that look like?

5. How are gratitude and peace related?

October 29, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-14.

1. What does it mean to set your heart on things above? How about your mind?

2. How can you find rest in Jesus? What does this practically look like?

3. What needs to be put to death in our lives?

4. What are some practices or habits that continue to make you anxious and stressed?

5. What does it look like to continue to pursue Jesus in these moments?

6. How do we put on the things that Paul lists as our new clothes?

October 22, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23.

1. What does it mean to try to add things to Christ?

2. How about taking things away from Christ? (Make His sacrifice not complete.)

3. Have you experienced judgment from someone else? How did that make you feel?

4. Have you been the one to judge someone else? How did that make you feel?

5. What does it look like to embrace religion instead of Jesus? Why is it important to understand the difference?

6. What does Christian freedom look like? How do you walk in it?

October 15, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15.

1. What do you think of when you hear that you are to be rooted in Christ? What does that look like?
2. What does it mean that storms come in life?
3. How do you cause your own storms? What does the Bible say about that?
4. Why is it hard to continually trust in God through good and bad times?
Apply this passage to your life. Write some thoughts on what that looks like for you personally.

October 8, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-2:5.

1. Do you currently have joy in the midst of your struggles? How could you improve in this area?
2. How would your life look different if you lived with an eternal perspective?
3. What would change if you were conscious that Christ lives in you?
4. Who could you share your faith with?
What keeps you from being deceived by fine-sounding arguments?

October 1, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 1:21-23.

1. How would you explain the gospel to someone else? What is the most important part?

2. What does it mean to be alienated? From God?

3. How does it look to be enemies in your mind to God?

4. How did Jesus reconcile us? What is the difference in your life?

5. What does it look like to continue in your faith?

September 24, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20.

1. What does it mean that Christ is supreme?

2. What does it mean that Christ is central? What does this mean for your life?

3. How do you live as if Christ is supreme and central to your life?

4. How do we discover God through Jesus? What does this mean?

5. Why is it important to understand that Jesus holds all of creation together?

6. How is Jesus our prototype and what does it look like to follow Him?

September 17, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-13.

1. What does it mean to be filled with the knowledge of His will? Have you experienced this?

2. What does it look like to live into the will of God? Are you currently?

3. Why is it important to have endurance and patience?

4. What are the implications of needing to have endurance and patience even though you are in the will of God?

5. Why is gratitude important? What has that looked like this week for you? Did you practice gratitude?

September 10, 2023

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8.

1. What do you already know about Colossians? Where would you like to know more?

2. What does it mean to be IN Christ? And why does that matter?

3. What does it look like to be more grateful? How would you rank your gratefulness currently?

4. Do you see God at work in your life? What about in your community? In your world?

5. What does it look like to grow in your faith this week?

September 3, 2023

Scripture: Acts 1:6-11.

1. What does our final home look like? What does the Bible say about it?

2. Why do we seek to answer the “when” of Jesus’ second coming? Is it okay to do so?

3. Where did Jesus go when He ascended? Is He gone? Why does it matter?

4. What does our current home look like when we are abiding in Christ?

5. What does it look like to balance “hearts set on things above” and “Why are you looking up?”

August 27, 2023

Scripture: John 14:1

1. How would you describe the Kingdom of God to someone? Why?

2. What does it look like for a person to be in the Kingdom of God?

3. Why is important that Jesus’ Kingdom is “not of this world”?

4. How do we seek first the Kingdom of God?

5. What would it look like to trust in God so much that you don’t feel overwhelmed or have a “troubled heart”?

August 13, 2023

Scripture: John 14:1-7

1. Why is it important for us that Jesus showed us the way in and through exile?

2. Why are the events of Jesus’ birth important? What does that mean for your life?

3. Why did Jesus start His ministry by being tempted in the desert?

4. How does Jesus show us the way, the truth, and the life?

5. What does that mean for us today?

August 6, 2023

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-7.

1. What does it look like for us to live in exile? How do we live?

2. Why is it not the Christian response to escape? And how have you tried to do this?

3. Why is it not the Christian response to indulge? And how have you tried to do this?

4. Why is it not the Christian response to fight? And how have you tried to do this?

5. What does it look like to love your neighbor? To bless your city?

July 30, 2023

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-14.

1. What does it mean to find grace in the consequences? How have you experienced this?

2. Why is there exile for Israel? When have you experienced exile?

3. How do you understand the lovingkindness of God? What does that look like in your life?

4. How do you find God’s grace in the midst of exile?

5. How does God’s grace carry you day-by-day?

July 16, 2023

Scripture: Judges 2:1-5.

What does it look like for our world to do "whatever is right in their own eyes"?
What does it look like for you to live that way? Why is that tempting?
Why is doing "whatever is right in your own eyes" a false home?
In what ways do we try to find other kings beside God? Why?
Has the Lord ever given you over "to the desires of your heart"? What does that look like? How has the Lord brought you back?

July 9, 2023

Scripture: Exodus 1:7-22.

What is the kingdom of God? And what does it look like in comparison to the kingdom of man?
What does it look like to follow God in the wilderness?
How can we trust God to provide? What does that actually look like?
Why can’t we keep the covenant? And who does for us?
In what ways can you trust in Jesus and follow Him more closely this week?

July 2, 2023

Scripture: Psalm 130.

Have you ever lost sleep anticipating or worrying about an upcoming event? How did it actually turn out?
What is your typical view of God?
Think about the last time you “cried out from the depths” to God. If comfortable, please share.
How do you usually handle waiting?
What does “active waiting” look like for you in your life?

June 25, 2023

Scripture: Genesis 37:1-20.

1. How often do you get tripped up by comparison? And where do you stack up?

2. Why do you think we care about how we compare to others?

3. What does it look like to work downward? In a humble approach?

4. Where is God with you right now in your life? More specifically, where do you sense Him moving in your life right now?

5. What does it look like to allow God to move more actively in your life today?

June 18, 2023

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31.

What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Why is this important?
How can we be good stewards of creation? What does this look like?
What are some temptations that we face as humans?
What does it look like to create a false home?
How does God continue to show kindness to us, even in our disobedience?

June 11, 2023

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12.

In what ways do you feel disoriented in life? How is our world a bit disoriented?
What would you say is home? What does that feel like?
How does our world ask us to create false homes?
What do we create our identities around?
How can you respond to exile? What does that practically look like?

June 4, 2023

In what ways has the Holy Spirit been nudging you that you are either blind to or are blatantly ignoring?
In what ways can you relate to Peter? You’ve placed your faith and identity in how much you love God and what you can do for Him.
Where is our identity? Is it in our actions, in what we say? Is it in how well we can hold it together?

May 28, 2023

Scripture: John 3:1-21.

1. What does “new birth” mean? And why is it important?

2. Why do we need “new birth”?

3. What does it mean to be “from God and with God”?

4. Do you believe that Jesus doesn’t condemn you? What does that actually look like for you?

5. What are some things you can do today to understand and live into “new birth”?

May 14, 2023

Scripture: John 9:1-12.

1. Why is there brokenness in the world? And what does that have to do with God?

2. When do we first interact with brokenness as people? Why?

3. What does it mean that “the works of God might be displayed”?

4. How is Jesus the light to the world? And what does that mean for your life?

5. What does it look like for you to be the light of the world through Jesus?

May 7, 2023

Scripture: Luke 24:13-35

1. What parts of Scripture do you struggle to understand? In what ways can you find help to better understand?

2. What does it look like to have a bigger perspective on the past and the future?

3. How can you find the connections through Scripture to Jesus?

4. How can you see Jesus’ activity more in your life?

5. What does it look like to interact with Jesus more in the mundane parts of life?

April 30, 2023

Scripture: Mark 12:41-44.

1. Was Jesus praising the gift of the widow or lamenting that she gave up everything?

2. What does it mean to be generous in the Kingdom of God?

3. How do our desires affect our generosity?

4. What is a tithe and why is it important?

5. How can we defend the cause of those in need?

April 23, 2023

Scripture: Luke 7:36-50.

Who in the story do you resemble the most? Why?
Have you ever found yourself comparing your sins with others? Why is that tempting?
Why is it important to know that we are all in debt?
How does the recognition of our debt actually help us become more loving?
What does it look like to love and forgive like Jesus?

April 16, 2023

Scripture: Luke 11:1-4.

What does it mean that Jesus is our teacher? What does that look like for you?
Why do we need to learn to pray? How did Jesus pray?
How did Jesus teach them to pray?
What about the Lord's Prayer sticks out to you?
Have other people wanted to learn to pray from you? Why or why not?

April 9, 2023

Scripture: Matthew 28:1-10.

Can fear be good? What does “good fear” look like?
What is the fear of God? Why does that matter for Easter?
What does it mean to be filled with joy? Have you had an experience like this?
Do joy and fear go together? Why or why not?
How can you walk away from the tomb changed?

April 2, 2023

How do you picture the scene in vs. 35-38? What do you see or hear or feel?
What do you think the people were expecting Jesus to do when He reached Jerusalem? How were their expectations different from Jesus'?
What kind of reception do you think Jesus would get today if He were to ride into our town?
How have you typically understood what happens in a worship service?
What is one way you can reorient your own heart and focus during worship?

March 19, 2023

Scripture: John 6:66-69

Where is life found? What does that actually look like?
How do we pursue the things of God more than God Himself?
What does it look like to follow Jesus in the good, bad, and boring times?
How can you let go of all the other views of life abundant that you hold?
Who is there for you in this endeavor?

March 12, 2023

Scriptures: Luke 18:35-43; John 5:1-8; 1 John 2:3-6; Ephesians 2:4-10.

What does it look like to intentionally follow Jesus?
What sort of rhythms do you have in your life that help you follow Jesus?
What rhythm could you start? What does it look like to start somewhere?
Can you build off of any rhythms?
How can you approach your walk with Jesus with more grace?

March 5, 2023

Scripture: Mark 1:35-39.

When you feel busy, how do you cope?
What could you change in the way you cope?
What would change in your life if you had a bigger view of God?
How will you implement "solitude" in your life?
What is prayer?
How did Jesus use solitude and prayer?

February 26, 2023

Scriptures: 1 John 1:9; Psalm 42:5; Isaiah 40:31; Isaiah 51:11.

How often do you practice the discipline of confession? What would it look like to practice that more during Lent?
How often to you practice the discipline of hope? What would it look like to practice that more during Lent?
How often do you practice the discipline of lament? What would it look like to practice that more during Lent?
How often do you practice the discipline of joy? What would it look like to practice that more during Lent?
Which of these four come naturally to you? Which ones need to be worked on? What does it look like for you to grow in these ways?

February 19, 2023

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-24.

As we close the Ephesians series, how do you understand "Christ in you"? What does that mean for you?
What does it mean to have God's strength?
How do you view your battles? How does Ephesians view our battles?
What does it look like to wear the armor of God? How do you use it?
Why is prayer important? Where do you struggle in prayer?

February 12, 2023

Scripture: Ephesians 6:1-9.

What do you find most intriguing about this section of Scripture? Why?
What does it mean to obey and honor your parents for you right now in life? Even if they are no longer here, how would you answer that question?
If you are a parent, what is currently your biggest challenge? How do you sense God speaking to you in that challenge?
In what ways can we apply the masters/slaves section to our lives?
How is God speaking to you through this section?

February 5, 2023

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-33.

When you read this passage, does it make you nervous? Excited?
How have you heard this passage applied before? If you have never heard this passage preached before, why do you think that is?
What does it mean to "submit" as a disciple of Jesus?
How is this passage lived out as the wife?
How is this passage lived out as the husband?
Why is this a beautiful representation of Christ and the church?

January 15, 2023

Scripture: Ephesians 5:3-20.

How does what comes out of us reveal what is inside? What can be done about it?
How can Christians become deceived? Have you seen this?
How have you been deceived?
What does it mean to walk in the light? How do you practice this?
What are some specific things you can do to make sure what is going into your soul is good for life?

January 8, 2023

Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-5:2.

What sort of things flow out of Christ? Do those same things come out of you?
What does it look like to be like Christ?
How do we practice replacing unhealthy habits with good habits? What does that look like for the Christian life?
What things do we need to get rid of this year that come out of our lives?
What spiritual rhythms would you like to implement in your life?

January 1, 2023

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-24

What are some of your goals for 2023? Or things you hope to see differently?
What does it mean to have futile or useless thinking?
Do you ever find yourself thinking this way?
What does it mean that you are made new in Christ? Why does this matter?
Where is life found? Are you living in that trajectory?

December 18, 2022

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

What do you typically do when you are in liminal space? How can you trust God there?
How can you put your hope in Christ in dark times? What does that actually look like?
What are some of the false hopes that your heart is tempted towards?
What does it mean to wait with faith?
List some ways you can trust God this Christmas season.

December 11, 2022

Scripture: Luke 12:35-48

What does it mean to be faithful?
How can you be faithful to Jesus?
What does it mean to live with expectancy? Expectancy for Jesus' return?
Why is expectancy more about faithfulness than figuring everything out?
What does it mean that the watchers get the reward?

December 4, 2022

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12.

What does it mean to be a voice in the wilderness?
How can you seek out the wilderness - the one in which we find God?
What does it look like to prepare the way for Jesus?
What is the fruit of your life?
How can you abide more in Christ to find more of His fruit?
What does it look like to find peace this Advent?

November 27, 2022

How do you define hope?
What are ways that you see hope lived out through the Bible?
What are areas in your life that you are waiting on God?
How can you, in this season, go into each day with a mindset of looking for the ways that God is at work in your life?
How can you live out hope this season?

November 13, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7-16.

What does unity in diversity in the church look like? What does it not look like?
How has God gifted you in the body of Christ? Are you using those gifts?
How are you growing in Christ?
What does it mean to live in the victory of Christ?
How can you help others grow in Christ?

November 6, 2022

How would you describe a life that is worthy?
How would our culture define a life that is worthy? How about God?
What does it mean to be humble? How do you see humility in your life?
What does it mean to be gentle? How do you see gentleness in your life?
Why is it important to know that God is over all, through all, and in all?

October 30, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

How much power do you have to solve things in your life and in this world? Who really has the power?
What does it mean that God is able to do more than we ask or imagine? Why is this important?
What are some things we ask for? Is it for our glory or God's glory?
How is God at work in your life? In what ways have you seen Him working?
How can we give Him glory in our lives and in the church?

October 23, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-19

What does Paul say is part of the glorious riches of Christ? Why is this important?
What does to mean to be rooted and established in love?
How are you rooted and established? How can you become more rooted and established in love?
Why is it important that we explore Christ together?
What typically overflows out of your life? How can we see it be more of Christ?

October 16, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13.

What does it mean to participate in the sufferings of Christ?
In what ways have you participated in the sufferings of Christ?
How does Paul administer grace?
How can you also be an administrator of grace?
Where do you experience freedom and confidence?

October 9, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

What does it look like to be brought near to God through Christ? Why is this important?
What does reconciliation look like through Christ, to others?
How have you separated yourself from Christ? In what ways do you need to allow God to bring you back near to Him?
How is Christ the foundation of your life?
How is Christ the foundation of the church?

October 2, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10.

How would you describe salvation?
What are the ways of the world? And how do you see them in your life?
In what ways do you gratify the cravings of the flesh?
Why is it important to remember the salvation story as an act of God?
What does it mean to walk in good works? Why is it not a way to earn salvation?

September 25, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23.

How are you doing at loving God's people? What changes could you make?
Are your prayers full of thanksgiving? If not, have you prayed for a thankful heart?
What are some practical ways you could daily remind yourself of the hope we have in Christ?
In what areas are you allowing worldly things to surpass God in your life? How should you respond to this realization?

September 18, 2022

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14.

Who do we live for? And by whose power?
Answering the above question is easy, but why is it hard to live out?
Why is it important to understand that God's plan is from the beginning to eternity?
What are your thoughts on predestination? What is Ephesians 1 saying about this topic?
How does one live "in Christ"? Why is that important to Paul?
What does it look like for you to be "in Christ"?

September 11, 2022

Where do you find your fulfillment and life? What gives you purpose and meaning?
Why does understanding who you are matter?
In what ways has the view of identity become unhealthy in our world?
In what ways do you find an unhealthy view of identity in your life?
What does it mean to be "in Christ"? Why does it matter?
Where do you find grace and peace in life? How can you discover this more in Christ?

September 4, 2022

In what ways do you pass the faith down? What would that look like for you?
How can you be encouraging and empowering to the next generation?
How is Elisha an incomplete savior? What about Jehoash?
In what ways do you fail as a savior?
In what ways do you think about your own legacy? How much does legacy matter to you?

August 28, 2022

In what ways would you say that God provides? How have you seen this in your life?
What does it look like to take steps of faith with unknown outcomes?
How often do we honestly do this?
Where can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God is with you?
What should our responses to evil be?

August 21, 2022

Who/what do we blame for the pain in our lives? In the world?
Who has the power to turn things around? How do we embrace this in our lives?
Who does God use to turn things around? Why?
Who does God use to send the message of good news? What does that mean for you?
What do you do with good news?
How can you help herald the feast of God to the starving world?

August 14, 2022

Why is it hard to trust when it feels like you are surrounded by problems?
What would it look like to be less anxious and more surrendered in these moments?
Does what you consume with your eyes play a role in your general emotions or anxiousness?
What would it mean for you to open your eyes to God?
Why is it important to understand that God chooses hospitality even for enemies? What does this mean in your approach to others?

August 7, 2022

Why is it important to know all of the Bible is useful and God-breathed?
What does it look like to go to God with anything?
Do you ever feel like you are wasting God's time? How can you change that perspective?
Why do we need to be reminded that God always has a remnant? What does that mean today?
How do we live into the upside-down Kingdom?

July 31, 2022

What does it mean for you to be humble? What does that look like?
In what ways do you try to solve your problems without God?
What does it look like to go to the wrong source when you are having problems? Why do we as humans do that?
In what ways can we go to God instead?
When hearing the story of Namaan, where is this like you? Where is it not like you?
How can you be more WITH Jesus and LIKE Jesus this week?

July 24, 2022

In what ways have you seen God on a personal level in your life?
Where have you tried to do things on your own? How did that go?
What does it look like to trust in God?
Why is it important to bring what you have to God?
Have you ever seen Him multiply? When and how?

July 10, 2022

What do you think Paul means by “put off the old self” in verse 9 and “put on the new self” in verse 10?
What attribute do you shine in the most?
What attribute can you grow in this week?
How does singing, praying, and speaking the Word to one another as a body encourage our growth? Are there relationships in your life that can use more singing, praying, and speaking the Word of God?

July 3, 2022

What does it mean to treat God like a vending machine? Do you ever find yourself doing that?
Do you have any buried dreams? How do those currently make you feel?
Where do you place your hope? Where else?
Where can you find peace? What does this look like?
How do we find Jesus in the midst of our life?

June 26, 2022

Why do we read the Bible?
Why does God allow bad things to happen?
What have you noticed about Jesus in 2 Kings 4:1-7?

June 19, 2022

In what ways do you always depend on God? Are there ways you find yourself struggling to depend on God?
When you encounter problems, do you always understand what the actual problem is?
In what ways can you discern where the source of the problem is found?
How do you feel knowing that God is always going to keep His promises? What does that do for your faith in Him?
Where is abundance found in Jesus? How can we walk in that grace, and extend it to others?

June 12, 2022

Have you ever experienced the loss of a mentor of someone you looked up to? How did you sense God in that time?
Why is it important to know that God has concern for everyone?
Do you believe that Jesus is still doing greater things through you, through us?
Where do you see Jesus in the passages today?
How can you experience a deeper relationship with Him through the story of Elisha?

June 5, 2022

When you think of fullness, what does that imply?
When Paul says you are brought to fullness, what does that mean? How does that look?
What needs to be removed from my life that is just hollow?
How do we remove the entanglement of sin, debts, condemnation, and powers from our lives? Why should we?
How can we experience fullness in Jesus?

May 29, 2022

Why does Pastor Mark call Celebrity Christianity a disease in the church? Do you agree or disagree?
What does it mean to be a letter of recommendation from Christ?
How is Jesus writing your story? And what does that have to do with Praise Covenant?
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit is writing on the tablet of your heart? And how do you know this to be true?
When we learn that we are to be "read by all people," how does that make you feel? Why?

May 15, 2022

Why does it matter that Jesus is both King and Priest?
What does it mean for the church, His body?
What roles do you imagine a priest to have; how does the church operate in such a way?
What does it look like to imitate Jesus?
How can we bring more flourishing to the people and world around us?

May 8, 2022

What does it mean, Biblically, to be a sheep?
How do you know if it's the voice of Jesus?
What does hearing the voice of Jesus look like? What does it not look like?
Why is it important to listen to Jesus collectively?
Where does discernment come into play? How do you practice discernment?

May 1, 2022

What does it mean to be dependent on Jesus as a church?
What does it mean to be dependent on Jesus as an individual?
How do we find ways to depend on each other?
What does diversity in unity look like practically?
How are we to be united in Christ?

April 24, 2022

How would you define "the church"?
How does the definition of the Greek work ekklesia help?
What does it mean to be called out? Why does this matter?
Is your life centered around God? Or does He just have a peripheral spot?
How can you be "WITH JESUS, LIKE JESUS" together as a community?

April 17, 2022

How would you define freedom?
What would that look like in your life - to feel completely free?
What would help you feel more free?
What does it mean that Jesus has set us free?
How can you walk in the freedom of Christ today?

April 3, 2022

Paul says he was not ashamed of the gospel. For him to mention this means

that he realizes that it is possible to be ashamed. He knew those reading his letter were facing ridicule for their belief in this crucified Christ.

· Discuss what it means to be unashamed of the gospel.

· In what ways are we tempted to be ashamed of the gospel in our culture?

· Read Hebrews 4:14-18. What are the traits of Jesus (our High Priest), that the writer highlights, and why we can approach the throne with confidence?

· Tell about a time when you felt the assurance of God through difficulties. What was it like? What did you learn? How did your faith grow?

· Read Philippians 1:18-2. Paul shows joy and determination in his words. What's one area of your life you can learn to rely more on the Lord and find joy in?

· Our relationship with Jesus isn't the only source of encouragement. Who do you know in life that displays courage and an unashamed life?

· Take time to pray for one another.

March 27, 2022

When you read the Good Samaritan story, who do you see yourself as?
When you see someone in need, how do you feel?
What does it look like to love someone you don't know? Why is that a risk?
Who is your neighbor?
What can you learn, ponder, and apply this week?

March 20, 2022

When you think of the person on the other side, who do you think of?
When you think of Christ's victory in your life, what comes to mind?
Where do you need to see victory?
What does it mean that there is a cost to following Jesus?
How can you follow Jesus today?

March 13, 2022

How am I spending the time I don't even have?
Thinking of someone I know who lived their life from a "Most I can do for others" way of living rather than a "least I can do for others" life, what specific things in their life inspire me?
Jesus asks HIs followers to give generously even to their enemies. How can I give generously to everyone I come in contact with when it comes to generously giving my resources, generously giving my time, and generously giving my love and care?
In Psalm 42, the author says, "My soul thirsts for God," but also says "My soul is cast down." What do I normally do in my life when it feels like God is a million miles away? Is that working?
In the following passages, Jesus does one specific thing: Luke 3:21-22; Mark 1:35-36; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12-13; Matthew 11:25-26; Matthew 14:23; Luke 9:18; Luke 9:28-29; Luke 10:21; Luke 11:1; John 11:41-42; Matthew 19:13-15; Matthew 26:26: Luke 22:31-32; John 17:1-26; Matthew 26:36-46; Luke 23:34; Matthew 27:46; Luke 23:46; Luke 24:50-53. What is it? How can you mimic this in your own life?
Look back at the first question. Do I have a different answer now?

March 6, 2022

What imagery do you think of when you think of prayer? (i.e., a phone call)
How do you feel to know that Jesus meets you in prayer?
What does your prayer life look like currently?
What does it mean for you to simply "show up"?
What do you think of when you hear "on earth as it is in heaven"?
What does that look like for your life?

February 27, 2022

What is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Do you believe the Gospel is truth?
Is showing Christ's love to someone the same as sharing the Gospel?
When was the last time you shared the Gospel with someone (with words)?
What is the best way to share the Gospel?

February 20, 2022

How does the Biblical definition of "remembering" change the way you approach it?
When was the last time you desperately needed hope? How did you find it, and where did it come from?
Why does it matter that God is all-powerful? What does that mean for your life?
Why do we still have to deal with the lingering powers of evil?
What feeling do you have to know that God has never broken His promises, and never will?

February 13, 2022

When do you try to do God-like things, but without God? What does this look like?
Talk about a time you have experienced pride, and what happened next to help you realize it.
In what ways do you find yourself trying to earn God's approval or love?
How is God drawing you in?
In what ways can you better step into God's Kingdom?

February 6, 2022

What is your typical pathway for gaining wisdom? Do you find it helpful or unhelpful for wisdom?
Where do you need wisdom in your life right now?
What are you currently pondering and why does it matter for your life?
How does God help us gain wisdom? And why does He want us to be wise?
How can we ponder with others? Who is it that we should ponder with?

January 23, 2022

Are you trusting in your own self-reliance in the middle of your circumstance?
Are you trusting in your perception of what is going on around you?
Are you trusting in the comfort of your boat?
Or are you consistently trusting in Jesus, who is able to help you accomplish what God has called you to do?

January 16, 2022

When have you seen lies become destructive?
In what ways do lies pull us away from God?
Where have you fallen for lies? How did you come to discover it was a lie?
How can you avoid participating in "outrage"?
In what ways do we find ourselves being pulled back to truth by grace?

January 9, 2022

What does it mean to be dead to sin?
What does that look like in your life?
How do our habits form us?
What sort of hold does sin seem to have on your life?
Why does being "alive in Christ" matter? In what ways does this change you?
What habits can you install to follow the teachings of Jesus?

January 2, 2022

In what ways do you need to say, "I can't, but God can."?
How do you find yourself working out your own justification?
How do you find yourself working out your own sanctification?
Where do you seek peace? Why?
What does it look like to trust God completely this new year?

December 19, 2021

In what ways does it help us understand Scripture better when we understand the context?
Why did God consider the shepherds important? What does that mean for you?
What does good news mean for our world? For you? For your neighbor?
What does it look like to extend this good news?

December 12, 2021

Why is it important to reflect on the Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus?
What does it mean to be led by the Holy Spirit?
How can you be led by the Holy Spirit?
What does faith look like for Mary? What about for you?
Where can you find joy in this season? Why should you choose joy?

December 5, 2021

What do you find to be the most important part of the angel's message to Joseph? Why?
Why is it important to know that God will step into a mess?
What does it look like for Joseph to choose the hard path, and why is this important?
Why is it important that Jesus was given the name Jesus?
Think of a few ways "God with us" applies to your life? How can you allow this reality to penetrate your life even more?

November 28, 2021

Describe a time where you were disappointed with God. Why? What did you do about it?
What does it look like to receive a message of hope?
When it does come, will you believe it?
How does disappointment with God and hope in God overlap?
Why can you trust in the power and hope of God?

November 21, 2021

How would you describe the word "contentment" to someone?
What about the word "godliness?"
What does it mean to have contentment with godliness?
How can contentment be increased in your life? What steps would it take to get there?
Is Christ enough? What does that look like?

November 7, 2021

What typically blocks me from finding contentment in Jesus?
How do I let worry or fear consume me?
In what ways can I trust God more? Think on a practical level as well as spiritual.
Why does the eternal matter when I consider the temporary?
What does contentment mean and look like in my current situations? Why?

October 31, 2021

What would it look like for you to be content?
How would you define contentment? Why?
Do my circumstances define my contentment? Why or why not?
What does it look like to find contentment in Jesus in all things?

October 24, 2021

What does Jesus mean by producing a crop?
What does this look like in your life? When have you seen this in others?
How does someone learn to be with Jesus?
How does someone learn to be like Jesus?
What is in my soil? What is it producing?

October 17, 2021

How do you let the worries of this life infiltrate your mind and heart?
Where do you find yourself caught up in the deceitfulness of wealth?
What are your greatest desires? Do they conform with God's desires?
Consider fruitfulness, what does that look like in the Kingdom of God? In your life?
What would it look like to be more WITH Jesus and LIKE Jesus this week, in light of all this?

October 10, 2021

What's an example in your life where you have received something with great joy, only to eventually become frustrated?
When is it good to quit something? When is it good to persevere? How can you discern the difference?
Do you see how it would be easy to be the soil of the rocky place? Why?
What does standing firm look like in your life? And what does that mean when it comes to growth and humility?
Do you see the hand of God at work in your life? Why or why not? And how can you begin to see Him working?

October 3, 2021

What does it look like for a person to be "seeds along the path?"
Do you know anyone that would represent "the path?"
When are you like this? Do you have any tendencies of "the path?"
What can you do about it? For yourself or for others?

September 26, 2021

What does it look like when someone refuses to hear a message? Have you ever done this? Why?
What is your receptivity to the gospel message?
When does the gospel make you feel uncomfortable? Why?
Why is it important to realize that failure happens at different points in the growth process?
How do you "go and do" when it comes to the words of Jesus?

September 12, 2021

What are some of the idols that you feel run deep in our culture?
What about idols that seem to consistently appear in your life?
God as the source of life - how is that meaningful to you, and in what ways?
How has the Elijah series been an encouragement to you?
What ways can you take this series and allow it to sink deep down?

September 5, 2021

What does it look like when you respond cowardly to a situation? Can you name an example?
What is coming out of the overflow of your heart?
If the overflow comes out of where you abide, where is your primary place of abiding?
What is justice? And how does the Bible view it?
What does it mean to find hope in a God who is just?

Sunday, August 29, 2021

Why is it important to not be alone in your faith?
What does it look like to help others along in their faith?
How can you pass "mantles" in your life?
In what ways is it important that Elisha burned all his farm equipment?
What does that mean for your allegiance to Jesus?

Sunday, August 15, 2021

After reading 1 Kings 19:9-18, what part of the story resonates with you? Why?
Do you find yourself believing that your worth is tied to your production?
What does it mean to find our purpose out of God's presence? How does that work?
Can you think of a time where you were defeated and discouraged? How did you make your way forward? Were you able to see God in that time?
How can you hear the voice of God?

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Can you describe a time in your life where the mountaintop has led to the valley? What happened? What did you do?
Why can't we live on the mountaintop? Why is it important to realize this?
Why does our physical health matter when we are struggling spiritually in life?
What does healing look like when we are in the valley?
What does it look like for you to embrace the God of the mountaintop and valley low?
When the journey is too much for you, what do you do?

Sunday, August 1, 2021

If you could list a few places in which you are waiting on the Lord, what are those places?
How do you handle waiting on the Lord? What are your feelings and expectations like?
Why is it important to eat, drink, pray, and worship in your waiting?
Have you ever stepped in for God when it felt like He was taking too long?
When you feel tempted to step in for God, what can you do to prevent rushing things?
What is your small cloud?
What does it look like to GO when God finally shows up?

Sunday, July 25, 2021

How do you identify idols in your life? In the culture?
What would it look like to challenge the idols? Specifically, in your own life?
Why can't we serve both our idols and God?
Why will idols fail you? What does that look like? Has that happened to you?
What does it look like for you to choose to follow Jesus today?

Sunday, July 18, 2021

Do you ever feel alone in your Christian faith? If so, what does it feel like and why do you feel this way?
Why is it important to know there will always be a remnant?
Do you have a tendency to run from darkness or be absorbed by it? Are either the way of Jesus?
What does it mean to be part of an unshakable Kingdom? What changes about your life if that is true?
How can you walk in confidence, knowing that Jesus wins in the end?

Sunday, July 4, 2021

What are ways that you can be like Jesus?
How can you come alongside others like Ananias and Barnabas?
What are ways that you can love your neighbors?

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Why do we tend to let our circumstances define us? What would it look like to allow God to define us?
Why does our view of God matter? And what is our current view of God? How about when our circumstances are frustrating or worse?
When you've experienced the loss of a loved one, how have you responded? At the time? Since then?
Do we assume that bad things happen to us because of our sin? Is that ever true?
What does it look like to have Christ's life be your life (practically speaking)?

Sunday, June 20, 2021

Have you ever experienced a "brook drying up" moment in your life? What happened next?
How can you trust God to provide against all odds?
What does it mean to believe in a "strong and unshakable" kingdom? Why does that matter?
What does it mean that God's resources don't run out? What about in your life?
Do you trust God to bring you life today? How can you trust Him?

Sunday, June 13, 2021

Do you ever feel inadequate to the task that God has called you to?
What does it look like for you to take courage in God?
Do you trust God's voice to take the next step? Even in the face of rejection?
Where had God provided for you in the past? Where is he currently providing?
Where do you need to allow God to provide instead of doing it in your own strength?

Sunday, June 6, 2021

Why is it important to have a proper understanding of who God is?
In what ways have you had a skewed understanding of God throughout your life?
What does it look like to be committed to God?
How does one go about that in their everyday life? How do you?
What would it look like to be someone that showcases their faith to others? Are people catching your faith?

Sunday, May 30, 2021

What are some of the things you are trying to control that you simply can't?
Why do we think our way is better than God's way? What is a time you have lived this out?
What does it look like to wait on the Lord?
How do you know God will show up? Why? How do you live this out?
In what way today can you trust in God more?

Sunday, May 23, 2021

In what ways do you pursue righteousness in your life? What does that look like?
How can you pursue righteousness like a child? What does that mean for you?
What does Pastor Mark mean by "righteousness is found in humility"?
What does Pastor Mark mean by "righteousness is found in presence"?
How do you grow in the knowledge that you aren't righteous by your own merit but based on Jesus?

Sunday, May 16, 2021

What are some struggles that you have when it comes to prayer? Do you find prayer daunting or struggle to find time to pray?
What are the unhealthy expectations that you place on God?
What does it look like for you to be bold in prayer?
What is the next step you can take to seek Jesus in all of your life?

Sunday, May 9, 2021

In what ways do you typically seek joy in your life?
How have you learned that happiness is fleeting?
What parts of your journey can you say have produced joy?
Has suffering or trials produced joy in you? How?
What does it look like to fix your eyes on Jesus in your journey through life?

Sunday, May 2, 2021

Do you have any bitterness in your life? Where is it coming from?
How are you allowing bitterness to grow in your life?
What does it look like to starve bitterness?
In what ways can you find kindness, compassion, and forgiveness today?
Where can you replace bitterness with thankfulness in your life? What does that look like specifically?

Sunday, April 25, 2021

What is it that you wish you could have more of?
Why do you struggle with contentment in that way?
Do you ever struggle with generosity? Why or why not?
What does it look like to be content?
How can I pursue contentment with godliness today?

Sunday, April 18, 2021

Is light the absence of darkness, or is darkness the absence of light? How does this translate into spiritual terms?
Read James 2:15-27. What is God's Word saying about faith?
God's work is not reserved for pastors and missionaries. What is the "mission" God has given you?

Sunday, April 11, 2021

In general, do you consider yourself someone who struggles with doubt? Why?
Do you think it is wrong to have doubts about your faith? Is it wrong to doubt God? Why or why not?
How could doubting something or someone be helpful to you? At what point could it become unhealthy or even harmful?
Why do you think it's difficult for some to admit they have doubts? What prevents them from speaking out about their doubts?
When was the last time you turned to God (pressed in) and expressed your honest doubts and heartfelt need for guidance? What's keeping you from taking that step right now?
How would it change things if you saw your doubts as opportunities to grow deeper in your relationship with Christ, and not a reason for alarm? How can you go about doing that (traveling light)?
Pick at least one of the following Scriptures: Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 16:9-14; Luke 24:35-49; or John 20:24-29 to read out loud. As a group, or in your journal, discuss what stands out to you about Jesus, the disciples, and doubt.

Sunday, April 4, 2021

List a few events that have changed your life forever. In what ways have they changed you?
How has Easter changed your life? If it hasn't, why not?
What does it look like for you to celebrate Easter every day?
When it comes to new life, where do you believe it is found vs. where do you typically chase it?
How does Jesus' presence change your current reality?

Sunday, March 28, 2021

If you could build your ideal kingdom, what would it look like? Why?
Where do you typically search for contentment?
What do you think Jesus has come here to do?
What does Jesus' kingdom look like? Why?
How can you fully walk in the Kingdom of God?

Sunday, March 21, 2021

When you think of the act of listening, what physical posture comes to mind? With this in mind, what would listening to God look like in this regard?
What does the Bible mean that to save your life you will lose it? What does that look like in your life?
What is the Kingdom of God?
How do you, personally, live in the Kingdom of God? What does it look like with real examples?
Why is it important to recognize and embrace the reality that Jesus is stronger than evil? How can you trust in this truth today?

Sunday, March 14, 2021

Why is it important for Jesus to have solidarity with His people?
What does it look like to walk in repentance, for you, today?
In what ways are you obedient to others, structures, society?
In what ways are you obedient to Jesus?
How can you be led by the Spirit? What specifically does that look like?

Sunday, March 7, 2021

"Considerations in Breaking Through Barriers to Get to Jesus"

Text: Luke 5:12-26

How do I start and end the day with Jesus?
Could I structure my day to give more priority to time in God's Word?
What amount of electronic time do I use and what is the effect of that?
Could I alter my media intake to make it more redemptive or Kingdom-related?

Sunday, February 28, 2021

What in this Daniel series has stuck out to you the most? Why?
How can you be confident in the faithfulness of God? Why is that important?
When Pastor Mark says, "There is a myth of progress.", do you agree or disagree? Why?
How does evil keep creeping back into your life? How about in the world?
What does it look like to live into the victory now? How can you go about doing this in your life?

Sunday, February 21, 2021

What role do you see yourself playing in the battle of good vs. evil?
In what ways can you rout the evil from your life? In the world around you?
How does sharing your faith change the equation in the good vs. evil paradigm?
What weapons do you find yourself using in this war?
In what ways does knowing the victory is secure encourage and empower you to battle on?

Sunday, February 14, 2021

How do we respond to all the toxicity in our world?
How can you pray a prayer of confession today?
What would a prayer of hope look like in your life?
Why is it important to give God adoration in the midst of our confession?
What does your prayer of supplication look like?

Sunday, February 7, 2021

What is your typical reaction when the world feels troubled? Why?
How do you feel knowing that God is seated?
When you think of true power, what does that look like in your mind? Why?
How can you find the peace of Jesus in this troubled world?
How can you share the peace of Jesus with this troubled world?

Sunday, January 31, 2021

What is your current understanding of the spiritual realm? Do you give it any thought? Too much thought?
When you think of evil, where do you see it most prevalent in our world?
Where do you see evil most prevalent in you?
How can you hold on to the hope that God is stronger than evil?
What does it mean for you to live confidently in a troubled world?
How can you extend the love and light of Jesus to our dark world?

Sunday, January 24, 2021

How do you typically handle other people's ambition?
How do you typically handle your own ambition?
When hard things happen in your life, do you react or do you stay grounded?
What would it look like to stay grounded? How can God grow your roots deeper?
How can Jesus deliver you from the pit or the law today?

Sunday, January 17, 2021

When you look at your life, where would you say you put your hope?
Do you find yourself saying, "God is in control" in both good and bad times?
What does it look like today, to choose to live for God?
How can you find contentment in any season?
When the Bible talks about the rising and falling of nations, does that make you nervous or secure? Why?

Sunday, January 10, 2021

How does the statement, "God is more powerful than the most powerful" help your outlook in life? What does that statement mean in your current situation?
When we understand that God is the one that gives and take power, how does that affect our outlook in our world and our worldview today?
How has pride shaped our culture? In what ways does it contribute to the toxicity we experience in our world?
In what ways has pride shaped your life? How have you listened to the whispers of pride?
How can you humble yourself before God today?

Sunday, January 3, 2021

What does it mean to seek God in this season of your life?
What are you typically looking for?
What sort of opposition do you see in your life when you seek Jesus?
How has God shown up in your life in the past? What does that mean for your future?
How can God show up, right now, in your life?

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Where are you finding you are placing your hope right now?
Where do you see God in your present? If you don't, why?
Why is it important to know God is in your future?
Are you anxious about your future? Why or why not?
What does it look like to remember the God moments in your past?

Sunday, December 20, 2020

What pain/weariness/loss am I experiencing this Christmas?
Have I been able to bring this to Jesus?
What does it look like to wait for Jesus? Am I currently waiting for Jesus?
Why does it matter that Jesus wept? Why does it matter for me?
Do I have other people that I can suffer with? Am I a person someone else can suffer with?
What does it mean that Jesus brings life? What does it look like in my present pain or loss?

Sunday, December 13, 2020

When you think of the original Christmas story, do you notice the mess?
Why is it important that Jesus came in humility? Why is it important for your life?
What would it look like to be more humble in this season?
Where do you see Jesus in your life today?

Sunday, December 6, 2020

If you had to describe the weariness of our world in 2020, how would you describe it?
Where do you see God working in our weary world?
How can you personally relate to the weariness of Mary and Joseph?
What does it mean that God offers us peace? What does that look like in your life?

Sunday, November 29, 2020

What are some of the unmet expectations you have had this year?
What has rock-bottom looked like for you in this season?
What is out of balance in your life? Is there something that you are focusing on too much?
Are there areas that you need to surrender and place your trust and hope in Jesus?
How does it feel to know that God runs to you?

Sunday, November 22, 2020

In what ways have you seen pride destroy someone's career, family, relationships, etc.? What are some ways you won't fall into the same trap?
Where is your ultimate allegiance? How do you know?
In what ways is idolatry deceptive in our culture? How have you seen this appear in your life?
What does God's deliverance look like in your life?

Sunday, November 15, 2020

What are some of the temptations of toxic culture? In general? For you?
Who are some of the people in your life you can call on for prayer?
Are you allowing God to show up in your world?
Do you use God only as a last resort of a daily companion?
How can you have a posture of humility in this current season?

Sunday, November 8, 2020

Where in your life can you embrace a posture of humility? Where aren't you currently?
What does it mean to be humble in submission? How about in subversion?
Would you have done things differently than Daniel? Why or why not?
Where can God show up in your life, today? What would that look like?

Sunday, November 1, 2020

Does it ever feel like evil is winning? Express how you feel knowing God has put an expiration date on it?
What does it mean that as a Christian, you can have confidence? Why?
Where has God reminded you that His Kingdom is not in trouble? Where can He?
What does it mean that the battle isn't against flesh and blood? How does this affect your daily life?
How can you extend the Kingdom of God? Be specific.

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Would you consider Christianity to be a minority way? Why or why not?
Would you say our culture is toxic? Why or why not?
How do you usually approach toxic culture? Has that helped or hurt your faith and witness?
What does it mean to follow the way of the exile (Daniel's path)?
What is God revealing in you today that you need to either repent of or see differently?

Sunday, October 11, 2020

What does it look like to worship?
Is worship tied to a specific time or place for you? Why or why not?
What does it mean to worship in a pandemic?
Why is it important to be involved in a local church?

Sunday, October 4, 2020

1. How has unfaithfulness affected your life?

2. How has God kept His promises to you? How will He?

3. In what ways have you trusted in unstable foundations? How can you trust in God’s stability, practically?

4. Where has God given unto you or your family, even when you felt He shouldn’t? What ways are you still waiting on God?

Sunday, September 27, 2020

1. If asked to define the word “truth,” how would you define it?

2. How has God revealed Himself as “more true” to you?

3. What does it look like for you to enjoy truth?

4. How can you reveal truth to others with compassion?

Sunday, September 20, 2020

1. If you had to describe how God is good, what would you say?

2. In what ways have you experienced God’s compassion and forgiveness?

3. In what was have you experienced His kindness and joy?

4. How can you reflect the goodness of God in your life?

Sunday, September 13, 2020

What is something you would call beautiful? How does it reflect or come from God?
What is one way the beauty of God creates awe for you?
How do you or can you find delight in God?
What would it look like for you to showcase the beauty of God to others in your life?

Sunday, September 6, 2020

In what ways have I tried to change the furniture in other people's lives?
How do I become a person that others can approach?
Would someone call me a friend of sinners? Why or why not?
In what ways have I rushed God's work in other people's lives?
How do I become like Jesus by stepping into other people's stories?

Sunday, August 30, 2020

In this strange season, what friends will carry you when you can't get up?
In the past, who has broken through barriers and carried you to Jesus?
How could you thank them this week?
In this pandemic, who in your life might need you to carry them to Jesus?
What barriers could you break down to help them get to Jesus?
What has God been saying to you through this story and what are you going to do about it?

Sunday, August 23, 2020

What would it look like in my life to bear witness for Jesus?
In what ways could I vouch for Jesus in my own experiences in life?
Who in my life am I already bearing witness to, either by my actions or my words?
Who in my life is God asking me to speak to about Jesus?

Sunday, August 16, 2020

If you could have two immediate answers from God, what would they be? Why?
How can you trust God when it seems the questions are going unanswered?
When it feels like your life is out of control, do you grasp for control or find ways to trust? Why?
What would you say are some of the gifts in this season?

Sunday, August 9, 2020

How did you feel during the 30 seconds of silence. How can you find ways to incorporate more time for silence in your everyday life?
What is a loss of a love that you are grieving in this season?
What are some of the barriers that you have faced during this season? How can you find connection with God in and despite these barriers?
After reading 1 Kings 19:9-12, what are ways you can begin to see the distractions and listen for the still calm voice?

Sunday, August 2, 2020

What do you see as "the good life"?
What would it look like to intentionally refuse power in our lives?
In what ways do you refuse fleeting pleasure? Why?
Does money have a heavy influence on your life? Why or why not?
Would you say you struggle with people-pleasing?
In what ways can your faith be strengthened through the influence of Moses?

Sunday, July 26, 2020

How can you be hospitable in the midst of a pandemic?
What was the difference between Gaius and Diotrephes?
Do you see any Gaius' or Diotrephes' in your life? In yourself?
Would you say that people notice Jesus in your life, like Demetrius?
If you had to say which of the 3 men you are most like, would it be Gaius, Diotrephes, or Demetrius? Why?